Hi, I’m a junior from Kosovo. Currently taking a $540 3-months SAT prep course. I’m planning to take the SAT in May. I don’t have any EC activities; my school doesn’t offer any. I’ve been a messenger of my school to 2 Chemistry Olympiads and a “Knowledge Olympiad”. I’m planning on joining the Red Cross. I have a perfect GPA. Taking 17 classes at school.
I know this is really bad, but do you think I still have a chance on being admitted to a good college? I’ll also be applying for financial aid.
Do you think it’d be a better idea if I learnt German and applied to universities in Germany and Austria?
I’d really appreciate an honest answer.
The things you listed ARE ECs. ECs are things that are not supposed to be offered by the school.
Yes, I know, but they are not at all impressive. I’ve always thought that being the president or founder of several school clubs was sort of better.
Your Olympiads and the Red Cross are ECs. A lot would depend on your test scores. You should definitely have a backup plan, though. School ECs are not considered better. Colleges take into account what is available to you.
Thank you intparent for the info. Any other ECs you’d recommend?
no need to bump your posts after not even 45 min. Anyway, perhaps help out at local charities, hospitals, schools, libraries, etc. depending on what you’re interested in.
Don’t add ECs just for the sake of having a longer list. That’s called “resume padding” and schools will see through it. If you have the time to add an activity that really interests you, do so. Or, just focus on studying for the SATs and researching schools likely to admit you with financial aid. The reality is that it’s very difficult for international students to receive significant financial aid – to increase your chances, you should apply to many of them, to colleges and universities that are good, but not necessarily internationally known.
What do you mean by a “good college?” Do you have specific schools in mind? Your chances will vary widely based on your test scores and schools you consider “good.”
Focus on the activities you do and take them as far as you can. Continue with the Olympiads and the Red Cross. It’s not how many you do, it’s how high you can take them.
More importantly, focus on the SAT. A high score will make all the difference.
Do you learn another foreign language beside English? (For a back up plan).
Buy a book called Princeton review’s best colleges and start reading, making notes about what appeals to you.
Stay on this website and read the advice given, especially in the “college selection” forum.